If you’re looking for a modern snowboard boot with all the bells and whistles for winter 2025/26, the Deeluxe ID-Y20 is a standout choice. Based on feedback from our test team, here’s our detailed review.
What you’re looking at here is a concept car for your feet, from a company that regularly pushes boot tech forward (with excellent results).
The most uncompromising riders – those with Princess-and-the-Pea levels of perfectionism in their gear – will embrace this whole-heartedly. Of course, we’re talking heaps of bleeding-edge tech birthed from countless hours of painstaking R&D – so for now at least, only the ‘financially comfortable’ need apply.
“Deeluxe has poured its heart, soul and significant resources into making our feet feel better on the mountain”
A boot that costs more than a monkey really needs to be durable, but fortunately the Deeluxe IDY-20 ticks that box with aplomb. The new ‘Future flex’ shell construction claims to be packout-resistent for life, so you should be able to hold on to that medium-stiff flex for a good long while.
The tongue is a brand new design; wafer-thin material that’s nevertheless rigid and supportive, getting the Boa lace closer than ever to your leg. More of that thermoplastic polyurethane material also sits behind the leg, connecting directly to the sole to increase response.
The ‘Spectra’ sole is also new, and boasts what is – as far as we can tell, anyway – a unique approach to sole design. It’s thicker under the heel to accommodate a hollow section that will take the sting out of those times when you clip the knuckle. At the front of the sole, impact management is less of a concern, so it’s thinner and more flexible to improve boardfeel.
“Heaps of bleeding-edge tech birthed from countless hours of painstaking R&D”
We’ve long been fans of Deeluxe’s easy-to-follow system for boot liners: the bigger the digit, the better the tech. Simple. With the Deeluxe ID-Y20 we’re entering uncharted territory with the ‘Stage 5’ liner.
Only found on the Deeluxe ID-Y20, the Stage 5 liner is the home of yet more impressive new features, as well as a couple of the brand’s old favourites. The calf area features extra padding to eliminate pressure points, and it retains the heat with ease thanks to reflective material under your sole.
The internal lace is easy to pull tight even with gloves on, so you can give it a tweak mid-session, and it’s connected to a plastic harness which cradles your ankle for added response and comfort (and therefore all but eliminating the dreaded heel lift). As ever with Deeluxe, the liner is fully heat-mouldable. While no boot will be a perfect fit for every foot, this’ll make it more likely.
“Those with Princess-and-the-Pea levels of perfectionism in their gear – will embrace this whole-heartedly.”
‘Enshittification’ became a touchstone word for our times recently, as the general drop in standards in public life became ubiquitous. Now, we’d never suggest that a snowboard boot will turn this around, no matter how many bells and whistles it’s got – but still, there’s something comforting about the way Deeluxe has poured its heart, soul and significant resources into making our feet feel better on the mountain.
And remember: today’s experiment/concept design/passion project often becomes tomorrow’s benchmark, so hats off to the ID-Y20 for dragging us all forward.
“These were comfortable and very responsive, but were tested with a very, very stiff board and binding that might have been a factor in giving me a foot ache. The soft sole takes a bit of getting used to, but it definitely gave me better boardfeel, and the thick plastic tongue combined with the rear and underfoot support allowed for a very crisp heel-to-toe transfer. I really like them, even if they’re quite hard to get on.”
“These are sweet! I loved that they felt broken in and soft on the toes, but provided a sharp response on the heels. They were really comfortable and a great fit. I’d run these as my daily drivers.”
Buy the Deeluxe ID Y-20 Snowboard Boots 2025-2026: from $555 at evo.com
Buy the Deeluxe ID Y-20 Snowboard Boots 2025-2026: from €559.95 at BLUETOMATO.COM
Best Women’s Snowboard Boots 2025‑26: Comfort Meets Performance Finding boots that fit your feet and your ride matters. Our expert team at Whitelines have tested the best women‑specific...
